The Parties versus the People
How to Turn Republicans and Democrats into Americans
By Mickey Edwards
2012
Mickey Edwards spent 16 years in congress starting with the Reagan years and in leadership during the Gingrich takeover led by many Reagan era College Republicans. In this book he analyzes the crisis level problems of partisan politics and proposes detailed solutions in a compact and easily readable tome. My only critique would be his omission of the legal profession in the partisan context, including the large numbers of that profession occupying our national legislature.
Political parties are not inherently bad - citizens of common disposition will naturally seek each other out and combine to seek out agreed-upon ends. But when the pursuit of party power becomes the end goal and not merely a tool for achieving a better society, it is democracy itself which is laid beneath the guillotine's blade.
Edward's plan consists of Electoral and Governmental reforms.
Electoral
Establish Open Primaries
Non-Partisan Redistricting
Reduce the need for money in elections
Government
Non Partisan congressional leadership and committees
Stop Majority Party obstruction including via Rules Committee
Arrange the chamber floor based on seniority, not party
Stop one-party White house meetings.
RESPECT THE CONSTITUTION OVER SPECIAL INTEREST PLEDGES
